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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive income generation and develop strategic partnerships to support impactful projects.
- Company: Join Young Citizens, a mission-driven organisation focused on education and civic engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of active citizenship and influence funding across the UK.
- Qualifications: Entrepreneurial mindset with strong communication and business development skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to inspiring young people nationwide.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Young Citizens is seeking a Business Development and Special Projects Lead to support a critical year of fundraising, income generation and partnership development. This role supports the special projects work with the CEO and will work with the senior team to lead on the income and visibility opportunities that unlock our delivery for our three-year strategy.
Overview
Year 1 of this role will be focused on business model development, income generation and strategic partnerships. Working closely with the CEO and senior management team, you will help shape, test and secure new funding and commercial opportunities that position Young Citizens for long-term sustainability and impact. The special projects element includes supporting the developmental design of our future business model, charity strategy and public affairs work. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building, creating and working at pace to achieve great results within a small team. You will be rapidly developing propositions, forging partnerships and converting ideas into credible, funded initiatives. You will play a central role in strengthening our relationships with funders, institutions, corporates and sector partners, while supporting wider organisational development projects. Young Citizens works at the intersection of education, democracy and civic life, and this role offers a unique opportunity to influence how active citizenship is funded, delivered and embedded across the UK.
Responsibilities (Year 1)
- Develop and drive income/fundraising with existing channels, including grant funding, partnerships and commercial activity.
- Build a strong pipeline of income opportunities, working closely with the CEO to convert prospects into funding.
- Produce high-quality business cases, funding bids, proposals and presentations of our work.
- Design and execute new funding models and partnership opportunities alongside the CEO's updated strategic plan.
- Lead staff member for strategic engagement with funders, corporates, policymakers and sector stakeholders.
- Contribute to priority special projects that support organisational growth and external positioning.
- Immediate management and confidence securing existing income contracts with corporate and funding partners of £200,000+.
- Tactical, high-volume stakeholder engagement campaigns to increase sponsorship and new income opportunities.
- Leading the development of improved business modelling, pricing structures and income streams that create a more sustainable base.
- Operating with professionalism, improving processes and keeping organisational priorities at the forefront.
Why join us?
- Make a real difference by helping deliver inspiring citizenship experiences to young people nationwide.
- Shape and strengthen the delivery of our flagship national programmes.
- Join a supportive, purpose-driven team that values collaboration, flexibility, and doing great work together.
- Grow with us as we deliver our new three-year strategy and embed smarter, stronger delivery processes.
If you’re excited about making a tangible impact through high-quality programme delivery, and want to contribute to a mission-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Who you are
- Entrepreneurial and proactive, with a strong interest in business development and income generation.
- Confidently able to design and deliver on their ideas, instilling confidence and getting results with high-level stakeholders.
- Highly professional writer and communicator, able to produce strong proposals and pitch deck materials.
- Commercially aware, with an ability to spot and shape fundable opportunities.
- Excels at working closely with senior stakeholders including the CEO, able to predict needs and respond to what gets the best results.
- Organised and adaptable, able to own multiple priorities in a small, fast-moving organisation.
- Distinctly motivated and/or experienced in social impact, education, democracy or civic participation.
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per year
Contract type: Full-time or part-time (30 - 37.5 hrs per week). 12-month fixed contract, with potential to extend.
Business Development and Special Projects Lead employer: Young Citizens
Contact Detail:
Young Citizens Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development and Special Projects Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or partnerships!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your achievements and projects. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to Young Citizens' mission. Make it easy for them to see what you bring to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its goals. Understand their current projects and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Bring fresh ideas to the table during your chat – they’ll love your proactive approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development and Special Projects Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development and Special Projects Lead role. Highlight your experience in income generation and partnership development, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Young Citizens!
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role requires high-quality proposals and presentations, demonstrate your writing prowess in your application. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread for any errors. We appreciate professionalism and clarity in communication!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Share specific examples from your past roles that showcase your entrepreneurial spirit and ability to secure funding. We’re looking for someone who can convert ideas into funded initiatives, so don’t hold back on your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Young Citizens!
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Citizens
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Young Citizens' mission and recent projects. Understand their three-year strategy and think about how your skills in business development can align with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Proposals
Prepare a couple of examples of high-quality business cases or funding bids you've worked on in the past. Be ready to discuss how you approached these projects, the challenges you faced, and the results you achieved. This will demonstrate your ability to produce strong proposals.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with funders and partners. Prepare to discuss your strategies for stakeholder engagement and how you’ve successfully converted prospects into funding opportunities in previous roles.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Given the fast-paced nature of the role, be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple priorities. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in your work, especially in small teams, to achieve great results.
